About My Art

Art inspired by nature, beauty and symbolism

Art has been part of my life for almost four decades. What started as a passion gradually became an essential part of who I am. Over the years, I have explored many different techniques and subjects, always driven by the same desire: to create work that is not only beautiful to look at, but also carries a sense of meaning.

My work is inspired by nature, beauty, symbolism and the small details that are easily overlooked in everyday life. I am fascinated by the way an animal, a flower, a face or a simple moment can evoke an emotion or tell a story without words.

I work in different media, including oil painting, watercolor, colored pencil and reduction linocut. I am particularly drawn to traditional techniques and craftsmanship, and I enjoy combining careful observation with a more intuitive and symbolic approach.

A love for traditional craftsmanship

My artistic foundation is rooted in classical techniques and the traditions of the Old Masters. I studied at the Angel Academy of Art in Florence and later at the Florence Academy of Art in Sweden, experiences that deepened my appreciation for drawing, painting, light, form and careful observation.

At the same time, I have always been inspired by decorative and illustrative art. Art Nouveau, William Morris and Alphonse Mucha have influenced my appreciation for flowing lines, natural forms, symbolism and the relationship between art and beauty.

This combination of classical craftsmanship and a love for nature and decorative art continues to shape my work today.

Creating with meaning

I believe art does not always need to explain itself. Sometimes an image simply needs to make you pause.

A painting can bring a feeling of peace. An animal can represent a particular quality or message. A portrait can capture something of a person’s character. A linocut can turn an everyday subject into something timeless.

That is what I hope to create: artwork that invites you to look a little longer and perhaps discover something of your own story in it.

My artistic journey

Throughout my career, I have worked as a painter, illustrator, printmaker and teacher. I have created paintings, drawings, books, online courses and workshops, and have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for art with many others.

Teaching has been an important part of my journey, but today my focus is increasingly on my own artistic work — developing new ideas, creating original paintings and drawings, and exploring the possibilities of printmaking.

I am an ARC Living Artist with the Art Renewal Center in New York, and my work has been selected as a finalist in the ARC Salon.

Where I am today

At this stage of my life, I want to give myself the freedom to concentrate on what matters most to me as an artist: creating.

I no longer feel the need to fit my work into one particular category. Painting, drawing, printmaking and illustration can all exist side by side. What connects them is my fascination with beauty, nature, craftsmanship and symbolism.

Every new work is an opportunity to explore something I find meaningful — sometimes through meticulous realism, sometimes through a playful illustration, and sometimes through the simple, graphic beauty of a linocut.

My hope is that when you discover one of my artworks, it gives you a moment of beauty, curiosity or quiet reflection.

Welcome to my world.

Recognition & Artistic Journey

My work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and I am proud to be an ARC Living Artist with the Art Renewal Center in New York. My painting Treefrog was selected as a finalist in the International ARC Salon competition.

Treefrog 2015 - schilderij Door kunstenaar Jennie Smallenbroek
Treefrog, 2015
60 x 40 cm oilpainting

In 2017, I published my first book, De Hollandse School – Teken- & Schilderlessen, followed by the English edition, The Dutch School – Painting & Drawing Lessons, in 2019. Since then, I have written several more books, combining my love of art, creativity and sharing knowledge.

My Passion & Values

Painting is an essential part of my life. I love the interplay of shapes, colours, textures and materials. Over the years, I have explored a variety of styles and techniques, from photorealism to the methods and craftsmanship of the Old Masters.

When I create art, I can lose myself completely in a timeless flow. I enjoy intuitively exploring textures, tones and colours while at the same time paying close attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Oil paint, watercolour and ink are among my favourite media. My core values — patience, care, reflection, attention to detail and craftsmanship — are reflected in everything I create.

I have great respect for the traditions of earlier generations of artists and craftspeople, while always looking for ways to reinterpret and adapt these techniques for the present day.

Why My Art?

Through my art, I want to share something of what I experience while creating: peace, freedom, beauty and love.

I hope these feelings find their way into my work and touch the hearts of those who see it.

For me, art is more than simply an image. It can create a moment of joy, bring a sense of calm, or invite us to pause and reflect.

This is why symbolism has an important place in my work. I am drawn to symbols of peace, freedom, love and connection, and I enjoy expressing these ideas through nature, animals, people and imagery.

Recognition

Awards & Recognition

  • Finalist, International ARC Salon Competition, 2015
  • Nominated, Palm Art Award, 2015
  • ARC Living Artist, Art Renewal Center, New York

Let’s Connect

I warmly invite art collectors, fellow artists and art lovers to explore my work and get in touch.

My artwork is protected by copyright, and I am always open to meaningful collaborations and conversations about art.

If you are interested in my work, would like to acquire an artwork, or would like to discuss using one of my artworks, please feel free to contact me.

Books

  • De Nederlandse School – Teken- en Schilderlessen
  • The Dutch School – Drawing & Painting Lessons
  • Heerlijke recepten met mungbonen en kruiden
  • Delicious Recipes With Mung Beans and Herbs
  • De symboliek van dieren en boodschappen van het orakel
  • Animal Symbolism and Messages From the Oracle
  • Orakelkaarten: De symboliek van dieren
  • Het web van verzet — 2025
  • The Web of Resistance — 2025
  • Meesterlijke bloemstillevens schilderen — published in 2025

Awards

Exhibitions

2026

The Synagogue, Buren, Netherlands
June 5–7 and June 12–14, 2026
12:00–17:00
Kniphoek 14, 4116 BX Buren, Netherlands

2025

  • Flipje & Streekmuseum, Tiel — August 2025, as part of Tiel Art Shopping
  • Discus Oude Haven, Tiel — August 2025, as part of Tiel Art Shopping
  • Handmedith, Tiel — August 2025, as part of Tiel Art Shopping
  • Café de Merckt, Tiel — August 2025, as part of Tiel Art Shopping
  • A-Miek, Tiel — August 2025, as part of Tiel Art Shopping

2024

  • Stadsfabriek, Tiel — Opening exhibition, February 11, 2024
  • Agatha Capel, Kapel Avezaath — Kunst in de Kapel, solo exhibition, May 17–20, 2024

2016

  • Museum Thijnhof, Netherlands — Group exhibition, November 25, 2016 – January 15, 2017

2015

  • Galerie Sous Terre, Netherlands — Art Fair at the Westeinderplassen, September 4–6, 2015

2014

  • Galerie Grang de Paul, Eindhoven, Netherlands
  • Edinburgh Art Fair, Edinburgh, United Kingdom — November 14–16, 2014
  • Kasteel Arcen, Arcen, Netherlands — July 11 – September 1, 2014
  • Kunst in de Kersentuin, Haarzuilens, Netherlands — June 15, 2014
  • Vitis Welzijncentrum, Poeldijk, Netherlands — April 1 – July 1, 2014
  • Ursulakapel, Tongeren, Belgium — Group exhibition Meisjes, March 22 – April 6, 2014
  • Kunstdag Eindhoven, Netherlands — March 30, 2014
  • Filmhuis De Schakel, Vleuten, Netherlands — Solo exhibition, February 7 – March 30, 2014
  • Kunstdag Breda, Netherlands — March 16, 2014
  • Kunstdag Rotterdam, Netherlands — January 26, 2014
  • PCB Information Centre, Nieuwegein, Netherlands — Solo exhibition Lifelike

2013

  • IX Florence Biennale, Florence, Italy — November 30 – December 8, 2013
  • Galerie Montulet, Gouds Realisme, Best Western Plus City Hotel, Gouda, Netherlands — August 29 – September 1, 2013
  • Student Exhibition, Maarssen, Netherlands — July 7, 2013
  • Restaurant Mix & Match, Amsterdam, Netherlands — May 13 – June 30, 2013
  • Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam, Netherlands — Queen Beatrix, February 28 – May 31, 2013

Earlier Exhibitions

  • Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam, Netherlands — December 12, 2012 – February 28, 2013
  • Galerij Fransastic, Utrecht, Netherlands — July 15 – October 15, 2012
  • Kunstjaarbeurs, Amsterdam, Netherlands — September 30, 2012
  • Student Exhibition, Maarssen, Netherlands — June 8, 2012
  • Utrechtse Kunstdag, Netherlands — April 14, 2012
  • Kunst in de Kersentuin, Netherlands — June 1, 2010

Publications

Magazine Features

My work has been featured in several art and specialist magazines, including Dier-en-Arts and Atelier Magazine. My painting Treefrog appeared on the cover of Atelier Magazine No. 179, and my work has also been featured in articles and interviews throughout the years.

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